Alexander and three other region winners are headed for the state Poetry Out Loud contest, including, from left, Kenedi Griffis, West Forsyth High School; Samantha Fernandez, Forsyth Central High School; and Tano Toussaint, Kennesaw Mountain High School.Special to the Tribune

River Ridge senior Iyana Alexander, right, is one of 12 students advancing to the state level of competition of the Poetry Out Loud contest. She placed first in the region competition at North Cobb High School on Saturday. In addition to ‘Piano’ by D. H. Lawrence and ‘Life in a Love’ by Robert Browning, she will recite ‘Caged Bird’ by Maya Angelou at the state competition March 9 at the Atlanta History Center. The poetry recitation competition is sponsored by the National Poetry Foundation and helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage. The state winner receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the finals. The national winner receives $20,000 cash.

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